Let me start by saying I realize car seats are a necessary item. I will do anything to get my child safely from point A to point B.

But that doesn’t make them any less frustrating to me.

Months ago, an aching back made me give up lugging the car seat with Baby Girl already strapped in to and from the car. Even when my sweet angel is sleeping when we reach our destination – and I know she will stay...

We cleared another hurdle: Our flights to and from New York with Baby Girl were a snap. She slept a little, played a little, ate a little and fussed very little. We received praise from fellow passengers on how well behaved she was.

I determined that at 9 months old, my daughter was at prime-flying age. However, I’ve seen the future and it is not as rosy.